Academic calendar
Fall Semester 2026 runs Aug 18, 2026 – Dec 17, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.
- Fall Semester 2026Relevant now
- Spring Semester 2027
Campus language
Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.
Showing 17 of 17 terms
A
- ASB
- Associated Student Body; the student government responsible for campus activities and clubs.
- AVID
- Advancement Via Individual Determination; a college-readiness program and elective class.
B
- Black and Gold
- The official school colors, frequently used as a collective term for school spirit and the student body.
C
- Capo
- The universal shorthand name for Capistrano Valley High School used by students and the local community.
- CapoFood
- The official Instagram handle (@capofood) and shorthand for the district's nutrition services and menu updates.
- Cougars
- The official school mascot; students often refer to themselves or sports teams as 'The Cougs.'
- CSF
- California Scholarship Federation; an academic honors society for high-achieving students.
- CVHS Times
- The official name of the student-run campus newspaper.
E
- El Gato
- The official title of the school's annual yearbook.
- ELAC
- English Learner Advisory Committee; a group focused on supporting students learning English as a second language.
F
- Food Court
- The on-campus dining area known for featuring brand-name options like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut alongside standard cafeteria fare.
G
- Gold Time
- The mandatory 31-minute tutorial and intervention period held Tuesday through Friday.
I
- IB
- International Baccalaureate; a rigorous academic program offering specialized diplomas and certificates.
N
- NHS
- National Honor Society; a nationwide organization for students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
- Nutrition
- The designated mid-morning break period between classes where students typically grab snacks or breakfast.
P
- PTSA
- Parent, Teacher, Student Association; the organization that facilitates communication and support between families and the school.
V
- VAPA
- Visual and Performing Arts; the department encompassing music, theater, and fine arts.
Places and practicalities
Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.
- 5-Star Students
- The mobile app and web platform students must use to schedule their mandatory Gold Time tutorial sessions.
- Aeries
- The student information system used for checking official grades, attendance, and completing registration.
- Aquatics Center
- The campus swimming pool facility used for water polo and swim meets.
- Block Day
- The schedule used Tuesday through Friday featuring three 104-minute class periods and Gold Time.
- Canvas
- The learning management system where teachers post assignments, course materials, and digital quizzes.
- cvhs_cafeteria_cougar_hall
- CVHS Cafeteria (Cougar Hall)
- Late Start
- The Monday schedule convention where classes begin later (typically 8:37 AM) to allow for teacher collaboration.
- Main School Building
- The primary two-story structure housing the majority of academic classrooms and administrative offices.
- Performing Arts Center
- The dedicated building for theater productions, choir, and instrumental music performances.
- Portables
- The modular classroom units located on the perimeter of the main campus used for various subjects.
- The Gym
- The large indoor athletic facility used for basketball, volleyball, and school-wide assemblies.
- The Stadium
- The outdoor field and track area used for football games and graduation ceremonies.
- Via Escolar
- The primary street and entrance point for the school, often used as a landmark for student drop-offs and parking.
Quick answers
Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.
- What academic term is relevant now?
- Fall Semester 2026 runs Aug 18, 2026 – Dec 17, 2026.
- How much campus context is included?
- 17 approved campus terms and 13 local details are included in full.
- Are all approved campus terms included?
- Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
- Where does this guide come from?
- Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.